DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 56-year-old female. I had some blood work done recently, and two numbers came back high: My ionized calcium level was 6.0, and my PTH Intact level was 136.6. I am relatively active and feel good. Any thoughts? — L.K. ANSWER: Ionized calcium and PTH levels are sent when your […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am planning a trip to Los Angeles next month. With the recent outbreak of measles in California, I am wondering if I should get an MMR booster. I am 66 and never had measles. What is your recommendation for MMR booster vaccines for people in my situation? My wife has multiple […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I need your advice on a new prescription my primary doctor has given me; it’s called trazodone, 50 milligrams. I have mild anxiety and trouble staying asleep at night. I’ve had these pills for almost two weeks, and I’m leery of taking them; I really am concerned about the side effects. Plus, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 57-year-old female, and I have osteoporosis. My average T score is -3.3. My L4 is -4.1. My doctors have told me that it is genetic and that calcium, vitamin D and estrogen are of no help. They have suggested that I try Prolia or Forteo. These medicines, as you know, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Eighteen months ago, I had a case of shingles and could not access medication for three days. To this day I experience residual problems, such as pain on the side, reduced energy level, etc. When I’ve discussed the issue with several doctors, I simply asked if some kind of treatment could be […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I would like to know if you have ever heard of a person being allergic to psyllium fiber? My doctor suggested I take Metamucil for constipation, as opposed to stool softeners. However, when I took it, my face and eyes began to itch, I began to wheeze and I coughed until I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 65-year-old male who has developed a lack of sensation in the lateral front half of my right thigh. The numbness involves strictly the skin. There is no loss of strength, function or balance in my leg. My gait is normal, although I find that if I go on a […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 79-year-old man in pretty good health who has had back problems for about 15 years. I have been to two pain clinics and four neurosurgeons in the past few years. All find that I have spinal stenosis in the lumbar region. I have had shots, physical therapy and electrical-stimulation […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: We are always being told to drink water — the consequence of which, of course, is increased urination. But what about the kidneys? Since they have to perform repeatedly, are they being worn out prematurely? I am a 62-year-old female. On my past physical, I was told that my bladder had dropped […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 65-year-old man, and I received a kidney from my wife in 2001. I started out on higher doses of prednisone and was cut down to 5 milligrams daily. Am I able to produce cortisone from my adrenal gland, or has taking the pill form for those years cut out […]